Social media platforms are constantly updating to keep users engaged and informed. In a festive twist, Bluesky, a newcomer in the social media arena, unveiled a new feature on Christmas Day 2024 – a Trending Topics list, aimed at showcasing what’s buzzing in the Bluesky community.

Navigating this new feature is straightforward. On the mobile app, tap the search icon, represented by a magnifying glass, nestled at the bottom of your screen. For those using the web version, you’ll find this icon on the left sidebar. Below the search bar, users now encounter a dynamic list of Trending and Recommended topics. This immediate access to what’s hot on Bluesky not only keeps users in the loop but also fosters a more interactive community experience.

However, not everyone might be thrilled about this new addition. For those who prefer their social media feed uncluttered, Bluesky has provided an easy opt-out mechanism. Simply tap the “X” beside the Trending topics list or navigate to Settings > Content & Media to disable the feature by toggling off “Enable trending topics.”

Bluesky has labeled this addition as “v1,” indicating it’s in its beta phase, and they’re inviting user feedback to refine the feature. “We will be iterating with your feedback,” the company stated, showing a commitment to community-driven development.

The introduction of Trending Topics on Bluesky arrives at a time when the platform is experiencing a surge in user numbers, particularly among those seeking alternatives to more established platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which has had similar features since 2017. Bluesky’s approach to trending topics, however, includes user personalization through the application of muted words, ensuring that unwanted or offensive topics do not appear in the trends list, thereby maintaining a user-friendly environment.